1787 Massachusetts Half Cent. Ryder 6-D, W-5980. Rarity-5+. MS-64 BN (PCGS). An incredible example of this legitimately rare variety, perhaps the second rarest of the entire Massachusetts half cent series after the Rarity-8 Ryder 4-D. Beautiful deep olive-brown surfaces are impeccably well preserved, displaying satiny luster and high grade gloss as well as tan toning in protected areas where only lightly faded from mint red. Wonderfully smooth with no marks or roughness to mention. Struck a bit off center but the impression was remarkably strong. There is excellent definition throughout, even at the central detail of the Indians tunic and reverse shield which are often weak on this variety due to the unusually high relief of the shield. Fantastic technical quality and aesthetic appeal.<p>This remarkable coin is head and shoulders above any other example of Ryder 6-D that has come onto the market in recent memory. Certainly a high Condition Census specimen if not the finest known. The Newman catalog made reference to a rumored slightly finer example, but it would be hard to imagine a much more appealing and technically superb piece than the present coin. The intense bidding competition and price realized of $22,912.50 in the Newman sale showed collectors felt the same. One of the highlights of the Syd Martin Massachusetts half cents, a coin that combines a high level of both rarity and quality. PCGS# 688346. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Col. E.H.R. Green; Heritages sale of the Eric P. Newman Collection, Part IV, May 2014, lot 30235.
